Wisconsin Football: Strong Four-Star 2026 Safety Picks SEC Program Over Badgers

Combay performed much of the recruiting process festivities alongside Kell High School teammate and position mate Tony Forney. Forney, a three-star safety in the 2026 class, had also been considering Wisconsin but never was able to get quite as close to the program as Combay. Forney announced his commitment to the Missouri Tigers days ago, which prompted many discussions about the potential landing spot of Combay.

The duo took visits together, received scholarship offers together, and even camped together with various different schools. The concept of the duo sticking together through college arose but never became a serious thought until both recruits submitted nearly identical lists of final schools.

However, the duo has officially split as Forney is headed to Missouri and Combay will join the Volunteers next season.

Wisconsin Football Staff Misses Out on Jowell Combay Commitment

While missing out on a commitment from Combay may sting momentarily, the Wisconsin football staff has sights set elsewhere. Previously, Wisconsin slowed down the aggressive approach to recruiting the 2026 class and began to pluck talent that offered both a scheme and cultural fit. Wisconsin pulled off of the gas when recruiting Combay, and could not make up the ground late which led to his commitment to Tennessee.

With much of the 2026 class rounded out and committed, the Wisconsin Badgers will likely pivot towards finding depth along the defensive line. Wisconsin lined up big names on the recruiting board along the defensive line that included Jermaine Polk, Ben Duncum, Jackson Ford, and King Liggins, who all committed to different programs.

The Badgers already hold commitments from three-star linemen Djidjou Bah and Arthur Scott, but could look to add another to replace to loss of Carmelow Reed. Reed flipped his commitment to Ole Miss after taking an official visit with the program around the time Bah and Scott joined the Wisconsin football class.